In the history of Filipino cinema, nothing beats the sweetness and pungency of the comedy brought by Balot and Matimtiman Cruz. They are the faces that instantly make our eyes sparkle and our lips curl. But behind the “dark” scenes and the timeless jokes, lies a story full of love, family, and tears unseen on the silver screen. In a special meeting with Julius Babao, the door to the past is reopened with the help of Miss Loreta Roco and Jenny Manego, the people who witnessed the real lives of these two icons.
Loreta Roco, a former actress and dancer of Rolling Peaches in the ’60s, is not just a relative of Balot and Matimtiman; she is part of a large family built within a home where laughter never ends. According to Loreta, there were about twenty people living in their house at the time. Despite their fame, Balot and Matimtiman preferred to sleep in the living room because they didn’t want to climb the stairs—a simple aspect of life that shows their humility and practicality despite the glitz of showbiz.
The love story of Balot (whose real name is Himel Yababe) and Matimtiman (Josefa Matimtiman Cruz) did not start in a traditional way. According to the family, both of them had their own families before their paths crossed in the world of radio and film. But their marriage was strong and full of care. “Sweetsweet” is how they describe each other; they do not fight and always bring joy to the home. The children and grandchildren in the house are even called “sisiw,” because the name “Balot” always includes a chick—a joke that became a symbol of their unity.
But it was not all laughter. Loreta shared Balot’s quirks or strange habits. In the afternoon, he likes to ring watches and drink gin with pickled anchovies or chili peppers. Balot is also known for being generous; When he gets a new salary, all the grandchildren are taken swimming and even for shooting, the family is piled high in the car. But he also has his “dislikes.” Balot hates guava stew because it smells like “putok,” and he also hates kutsinta for a funny reason that only the family knows.
Everything changed in 1982 when Matimtiman Cruz passed away due to a heart attack. The once cheerful home gradually became quiet. Balot, who missed his “Mommy Epi” very much, suffered from depression. He left their old home because every corner of it reminded him of his deceased partner. The enthusiasm in his eyes gradually disappeared, and he also put his passion for taking pictures aside in an old box. According to Loreta, Balot drank more often until he finally passed away in 1994 due to liver disease.
Despite these sorrows, the legacy of Balot and Matimtiman Cruz lives on. They were icons who gave color to the industry at a time when comedy needed heart. Loreta, at 79, remains strong and sharp-minded, a testament to the resilience of her race. Her wish is that we never forget those who made us laugh—those who sacrificed their lives to give us a moment of happiness amidst the hardships of life.
The story of Balot and Matimtiman Cruz is more than punchlines and slapstick. It is a story of love that knows no time, of a family built on laughter and tears, and of memories that will remain etched in the hearts of every Filipino. They are the stars who, even though they have passed away, the brilliance of their laughter will continue to serve as a guide to us that in every trial, there is always room for a smile.
